Question 898 of 966

Prepare the data →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

PL-300 Prepare the data Practice Question

This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare the data. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.
```json
{
  "dataSources": [
    {
      "connectionDetails": {
        "server": "myserver.database.windows.net",
        "database": "SalesDB",
        "authenticationKind": "Key",
        "options": {}
      },
      "datasourceType": "SQL"
    }
  ],
  "pbiServiceConfiguration": {
    "useSingleSignOn": false,
    "gatewayClusterId": "12345",
    "gatewayClusterName": "OnPremGateway"
  }
}
```

You are reviewing a Power BI dataset configuration in the service. The JSON shows a data source for an Azure SQL Database. Which statement about the configuration is correct?

Question 1mediummultiple choice

Full question →

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.
```json
{
  "dataSources": [
    {
      "connectionDetails": {
        "server": "myserver.database.windows.net",
        "database": "SalesDB",
        "authenticationKind": "Key",
        "options": {}
      },
      "datasourceType": "SQL"
    }
  ],
  "pbiServiceConfiguration": {
    "useSingleSignOn": false,
    "gatewayClusterId": "12345",
    "gatewayClusterName": "OnPremGateway"
  }
}
```

A
The dataset uses key-based authentication and does not use single sign-on.
authenticationKind is 'Key' and useSingleSignOn is false.
B
The dataset uses single sign-on with Azure AD.
Why wrong: useSingleSignOn is false.
C
The dataset is configured to use a cloud gateway for direct query.
Why wrong: The gateway cluster name suggests an on-premises gateway.
D
The dataset uses cloud-only data sources and does not require a gateway.
Why wrong: A gateway cluster is specified, indicating a gateway is needed.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

The dataset uses key-based authentication and does not use single sign-on.

Option A is correct because the JSON configuration for an Azure SQL Database data source in Power BI typically includes a credential setting that specifies authentication type. When the JSON shows a data source with a credential type of 'Basic' or 'Key' (and no 'SingleSignOn' property set to true), it indicates key-based authentication (e.g., using a username and password or service principal key) and explicitly disables single sign-on (SSO). This means the dataset does not leverage the user's Azure AD identity for data access.

Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✓
The dataset uses key-based authentication and does not use single sign-on.
Why this is correct
authenticationKind is 'Key' and useSingleSignOn is false.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The dataset uses single sign-on with Azure AD.
Why it's wrong here
useSingleSignOn is false.
✗
The dataset is configured to use a cloud gateway for direct query.
Why it's wrong here
The gateway cluster name suggests an on-premises gateway.
✗
The dataset uses cloud-only data sources and does not require a gateway.
Why it's wrong here
A gateway cluster is specified, indicating a gateway is needed.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates often assume any Azure SQL Database connection automatically uses Azure AD SSO or requires a gateway, but the JSON's credential type explicitly reveals the authentication method, and cloud-native sources like Azure SQL Database do not inherently need a gateway.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

Under the hood, Power BI datasets store data source credentials in encrypted form within the service. For Azure SQL Database, key-based authentication uses a SQL login or service principal with a secret, while SSO relies on OAuth 2.0 implicit flow to pass the user's Azure AD token. A common real-world scenario is when an organization disables SSO to enforce row-level security (RLS) based on the dataset's static identity rather than the viewing user's identity, which can simplify permission management.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.

TExam Day Tips

Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.

Key takeaway

Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

Related PL-300 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

Prepare the data practice questions

Practise PL-300 questions linked to Prepare the data.

Deploy and maintain assets practice questions

Practise PL-300 questions linked to Deploy and maintain assets.

Model the data practice questions

Practise PL-300 questions linked to Model the data.

Visualize and analyze the data practice questions

Practise PL-300 questions linked to Visualize and analyze the data.

Manage and secure Power BI practice questions

Practise PL-300 questions linked to Manage and secure Power BI.

PL-300 fundamentals practice questions

Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 fundamentals.

PL-300 scenario practice questions

Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 scenario.

PL-300 troubleshooting practice questions

Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 troubleshooting.

Practice this exam

Start a free PL-300 practice session

Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.

10 questions 20 questions 30 questions 50 questions Timed 30

PL-300 practice-test guide →Study guide →Browse all practice tests

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this PL-300 question test?

Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The dataset uses key-based authentication and does not use single sign-on. — Option A is correct because the JSON configuration for an Azure SQL Database data source in Power BI typically includes a credential setting that specifies authentication type. When the JSON shows a data source with a credential type of 'Basic' or 'Key' (and no 'SingleSignOn' property set to true), it indicates key-based authentication (e.g., using a username and password or service principal key) and explicitly disables single sign-on (SSO). This means the dataset does not leverage the user's Azure AD identity for data access.

What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

About these practice questions

Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026

Question Discussion

Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.

Loading comments…

This PL-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PL-300 exam.